When separator operation is no longer feasible due to high proportions of solids in the suspension to be processed, decanters are used.
Application areas include the cleaning of wash water and the treatment of fruit and vegetables in the food industry, the recovery of animal and plant oils and fats, the production of herbal medicines, copper extraction, chemical extraction in the paper industry, the treatment of waste oil for power generation, waste water treatment in sewage treatment plants, and use on oil platforms for the extraction of crude oil.
Decanters are horizontal, solids-oriented, solid-wall scroll centrifuges. They are primarily used for the clarification of suspensions and sludges with relatively high solids concentrations, but also for the separation of liquids with simultaneous removal of solids.
The main requirements in this respect include a high bowl speed, a powerful drive for the scroll and a scroll speed which automatically adapts to the solids loading in the feed. Due to its versatility and the technological know-how of GEA Westfalia Separator, the decanter can be used for a wide range of process tasks; from clarification through separation, classification, concentration and washing right up to extraction.
Decanter designs
Clarifying decanters are used to separate solids out of a suspension to obtain a virtually solids-free, clarified liquid.
Dewatering decanters ensure maximum concentration of the solids to get them as dry as possible.
Separating decanters separate two chemically immiscible liquids with simultaneous separation of the solids.
Classifying decanters split the solids mixture of the suspension into a fine (small particles) and a coarse (large particles) fraction.
Extraction decanters mix a liquid containing a solid or extract with a liquid agent which contains the solids or liquid after mixing.
Finally, there is the possibility of integrating a co-current, counter-current or dilution washing system in the decanter for washing the suspended solids.
For more information, please click here.